Are South African cities becoming ungovernable again?
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This chapter explores the paradox of strong metros and popular disaffection by examining some of the underlying governance challenges facing South African cities. It seeks to distinguish between external factors largely beyond the control of city authorities and factors over which they have greater agency and influence. The argument put forwards is that both are relevant, the metros carry a heavy historical burden, for example, but they could also have done more to improve local conditions. One of several constraints faced has been an emphasis from national government on imposing techocratic reforms from above, including rigid legal procedures, codified operating rules and intricate reporting requirments that are intended to prescribe how municipalities make decisions and allocate resources.
DOI: 10.14749/32385078
Author: Human Sciences Research Council
Language: English
Topic: Legal Issues in South Africa
Subfield: Law
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Human Sciences Research Council
OpenAlex ID: W7162185796
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